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Digital economy must include all communities, says Digital Cooperation Organization’s secretary-general

Digital economy must include all communities, says Digital Cooperation Organization’s secretary-general
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Over a third of world lacks access to internet, says Deemah Al-Yahya. (Supplied)
Digital economy must include all communities, says Digital Cooperation Organization’s secretary-general
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Over a third of world lacks access to internet, says Deemah Al-Yahya. (Supplied)
Digital economy must include all communities, says Digital Cooperation Organization’s secretary-general
3 / 3
Over a third of world lacks access to internet, says Deemah Al-Yahya. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 February 2025

Digital economy must include all communities, says Digital Cooperation Organization’s secretary-general

Digital economy must include all communities, says Digital Cooperation Organization’s secretary-general
  • Over a third of world lacks access to internet, says Deemah Al-Yahya
  • Tech leaders must develop ‘responsibly, transparently’ for ‘everyone’

AMMAN:More than one third of the world’s population still lacks access to the internet, said Deemah Al-Yahya, secretary-general of the Digital Cooperation Organization, who stressed that underserved communities must be included in the digital economy.

Al-Yahya highlighted the current status of digital transformation during the International Digital Cooperation Forum in Amman on Tuesday.

Although the digital economy is expected to hit $16.5 trillion by 2028, accounting for 17 percent of the globe’s gross domestic product, the divide in digital exclusivity remains deep despite this rapid progress, Al-Yahya said.

“This gathering is the beginning of a new era for a global collaboration … in today’s world digital transformation is no longer a choice, it is imperative.”

Speaking on artificial intelligence, Al-Yahya said the global market value of AI is expected to exceed $800 billion by 2030, yet it is available in only a handful of countries.

Al-Yahya asked the question: “Will AI (deepen) existing divides or will it be a force for inclusion and prosperity?”

“Leaders in technology must ensure that AI and developing technologies are developed responsibly, transparently, and for the benefit for everyone and all.

“The voices of young people, women, and underserved communities must not just be included, but must be given the power to shape policies, lead initiatives and build the digital economy of the future.”

As a part of the event, a Digital Prosperity Awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of international and regional companies.

This included ֱ’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development which won an award for “Digital Transformation: Decision Making” and Tuwaiq Academy for “Digital Transformation: Cooperation.”

Sami Smeirat, Jordan’s minister of digital economy and entrepreneurship, spoke about the power of the event: “Together we can shape the future where digital cooperation unlocks new opportunities and creates lasting prosperity for all.”

The event features panels and discussions with leading experts from across the world.

The DCO was founded in November 2020 and currently has 16 nations as members including ֱ, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh and Oman. It also has 39 observer partner organizations.

The DCO member states have a collective GDP of $3.5 trillion and serve a combined market of nearly 800 million people, more than 70 percent of whom are under the age of 35.


More than 18,600 residency, labor, border offences recorded across ֱ

There are currently 31,015 expatriates, 29,172 men and 1,843 women, undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. (SPA)
There are currently 31,015 expatriates, 29,172 men and 1,843 women, undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. (SPA)
Updated 05 October 2025

More than 18,600 residency, labor, border offences recorded across ֱ

There are currently 31,015 expatriates, 29,172 men and 1,843 women, undergoing procedures to enforce regulations. (SPA)
  • Authorities apprehended 1,479 individuals trying to cross into the Kingdom illegally, of these, 59 percent were Yemenis, 40 percent were Ethiopians and 1 percent were from other nationalities

RIYADH: In inspection campaigns across ֱ between Sept. 25 and Oct. 1, the Ministry of Interior recorded 18,673 offences, including 10,673 related to residency, 3,822 to border security, and 4,178 to labor laws.

Authorities apprehended 1,479 individuals trying to cross into the Kingdom illegally, of these, 59 percent were Yemenis, 40 percent were Ethiopians and 1 percent were from other nationalities. They also arrested 52 people for attempting to leave the Kingdom illegally.

Also arrested were 17 people involved in transporting, sheltering, and employing offenders.

There are currently 31,015 expatriates, 29,172 men and 1,843 women, undergoing procedures to enforce regulations.

Meanwhile, 25,478 individuals were detained for breaching regulations and were instructed to contact their countries’ embassies or consulates to obtain proper travel documents. In addition, 2,139 were advised to make travel arrangements, and 11,544 were repatriated.

 


ֱ’s Breastfeeding Association hosts second international conference in Riyadh

ֱ’s Breastfeeding Association hosted its second international conference on Sunday in Riyadh. (AN photo)
ֱ’s Breastfeeding Association hosted its second international conference on Sunday in Riyadh. (AN photo)
Updated 05 October 2025

ֱ’s Breastfeeding Association hosts second international conference in Riyadh

ֱ’s Breastfeeding Association hosted its second international conference on Sunday in Riyadh. (AN photo)
  • Running from Oct. 5-7, the conference aims to educate the public on breastfeeding practices, emphasizing the health and well-being of mothers and children worldwide

RIYADH: ֱ’s Breastfeeding Association hosted its second international conference on Sunday in Riyadh, bringing together global lactation medicine specialists and industry experts for the three-day event.

Running from Oct. 5-7, the conference aims to educate the public on breastfeeding practices, emphasizing the health and well-being of mothers and children worldwide.

Experts from across the world are participating in the forum.

“We strive diligently to achieve the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 by reaching 70 percent of breastfeeding mothers, because the right support at the first moment makes a difference that lasts a lifetime, so that we hope this continues with healthier and safer steps,” Dr. Fatima Yousef Al-Juwan, chair of the board of directors and founding member of the Breastfeeding Association, said.

During the opening ceremony of the conference, a video played, highlighting the mission of the association: “Our mission is for every mother to receive the support she deserves and for every child to start their life with the best possible care because supporting the mother is not a secondary option; rather, it is the foundation for long-term health and for the community.”

The association operates on multiple levels, raising public awareness for mothers, offering professional training for health workers, and promoting institutional development for research and financial stability.

In her remarks, Al-Juwan stated that the association also trains mothers to become experts in breastfeeding and provides licensing in breastfeeding mentoring.

“This is a program accredited by the World Health Organization and UNICEF and is applied in countries worldwide. The number of mentors has reached more than 500,” Al-Juwan said.

During her opening remarks, she said: “One of the central focuses of the association is offering training and qualification programs for workers in the health sector and accompanying mothers from pregnancy until weaning with practical and distinguished supportive guidance.”

The initiatives of the association also align with the global sustainable development goals: zero poverty and hunger, good health and well-being, reduced inequalities, and responsible consumption.

The opening ceremony of the conference also featured an awards ceremony celebrating partners and supporters of the association, and it will hold a specialized award ceremony to honor mothers.

The conference welcomed multiple booths offering products focusing on infants and mothers, including Birth Kuwait, Lansinoh, Enaya Health Society, and more.


Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry holds training course in Ghana

The program seeks to strengthen engagement by promoting a moderate and balanced approach to Islamic teachings. (X @Saudi_Moia)
The program seeks to strengthen engagement by promoting a moderate and balanced approach to Islamic teachings. (X @Saudi_Moia)
Updated 05 October 2025

Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry holds training course in Ghana

The program seeks to strengthen engagement by promoting a moderate and balanced approach to Islamic teachings. (X @Saudi_Moia)
  • In September, the ministry — through the King Fahd Islamic Cultural Center in Argentina — also organized a Shariah course in Santiago, Chile, in partnership with the Islamic Center of Chile

KUMASI: The three-day program brought together imams, students and others interested in Islamic affairs.The three-day program brought together imams, students and others interested in Islamic affairs. has launched a five-day scientific course in Ghana aimed at training and qualifying preachers, imams and orators.

The program seeks to strengthen engagement by promoting a moderate and balanced approach to Islamic teachings. It forms part of the ministry’s broader efforts to advance its global mission of spreading the values of moderation to Muslim communities worldwide.

In September, the ministry — through the King Fahd Islamic Cultural Center in Argentina — also organized a Shariah course in Santiago, Chile, in partnership with the Islamic Center of Chile. The three-day program brought together imams, students and others interested in Islamic affairs.

It aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of Shariah law, equip them with the skills to communicate Islam’s tolerant teachings, and reinforce the values of moderation and coexistence.

These initiatives reflect the ministry’s commitment to promoting Islamic knowledge internationally and supporting imams and preachers in fulfilling their role of presenting Islam’s true and compassionate message to the best of their abilities.

 


Deputy minister receives ambassador of Iran in Riyadh

Saud Al-Sati (R) holds talks with Alireza Enayati in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Saud Al-Sati (R) holds talks with Alireza Enayati in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 05 October 2025

Deputy minister receives ambassador of Iran in Riyadh

Saud Al-Sati (R) holds talks with Alireza Enayati in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • The pair “reviewed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them in a manner that serves the aspirations of the two countries

RIYADH: ֱ’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received the Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh.

During the meeting, the pair “reviewed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them in a manner that serves the aspirations of the two countries,” the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh is heading a delegation an official visit to Pakistan. He stressed the strong strategic depth of relations between the two countries, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

 


New smart system helps blind users navigate with confidence

New smart system helps blind users navigate with confidence
Updated 05 October 2025

New smart system helps blind users navigate with confidence

New smart system helps blind users navigate with confidence
  • Scientific testing has shown the system to be more accurate and efficient than conventional models, with the added benefit of compatibility with mobile and smart devices

ARAR: A research team from Northern Borders University, in collaboration with the King Salman Center for Disability Research, has developed an intelligent navigation system designed to help blind and visually impaired individuals move more independently in a variety of environments.

The innovative system uses Vision Transformer technology and a dual-attention mechanism to analyze images and extract detailed visual information. This enables users to recognize their surroundings — such as offices, classrooms or stores — without relying on direct assistance, enhancing both privacy and confidence.

Scientific testing has shown the system to be more accurate and efficient than conventional models, with the added benefit of compatibility with mobile and smart devices.

The project supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to empower people with disabilities, promote their inclusion in society, and ensure equal access to education, employment and mobility opportunities.